Mosque opens its doors to Rochdale schools

[School children take part in Neeli Mosque’s annual Primary Schools Programme]

By Elham Asaad Buaras

Twenty One primary schools from across the Rochdale took part in Neeli Mosque’s annual Primary Schools Programme (PSP) on June 17.

Now in its sixth annviersary the week long programme teaches school children the basic fundamental beliefs of Islam in a fun and interactive way followed by a tour of the Mosque which highlights some of the key functions and features within the building.

Neeli Mosque is part of UK Islamic Mission, one of the oldest nation-wide Islamic NGO which provides relief, education, runs Mosques and supplementary schools as well as develops community cohesion and interfaith activities.

In a statement to The Muslim News theProgramme’s Coordinator, Ruhel Khan, said PSP “seems to get bigger and better. It’s an excellent programme and much appreciated by all and this was further highlighted as the programme was nominated for Community Cohesion at the prestigious Northwest Fusions Awards 2013.”

The programme took six months of planning and the demand for places is getting higher each year with all the allocated slots being taken up several weeks before the start of the programme. From the launch in 2008 to present, more than 5000 children have taken part in the Primary Schools Programme.

“A huge appreciation goes out to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help out with the programme. The mosque has a responsibility of educating the wider community on Islam especially with the current climate and our Schools Programme is just one of the many initiatives we take. I would also like to thank all the Schools who took part this year,”

Mosque Secretary, Imran Ahmed, told The Muslim News.

A visiting teacher from one of the Primary School said, “Today’s visit was really beneficial and the children seemed to really enjoy it. It worked out well especially as they could relate to what they had learned at school.” Nine-year-old child said of the visit, “I learned a lot about Islam today and it seems really interesting. I really enjoyed the quiz and doing the wash. I hope I can come to the mosque again.”

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence event is to acknowledge British Muslim and non-Muslim contributions to society. Over 850 people from diverse background, Muslim and non-Muslim, attended the gala dinner.